By Taye Obateru
Jos—Plateau State Government has said that it is ready to enforce the ban on the operation of commercial motorcycles in the state capital in the face of current security challenges after previous attempts to enforce the ban failed.
The law banning their operations was passed by the state House of Assembly and assented to by Governor Jonah Jang several months ago, but previous attempts to enforce the law were resisted by those who move as targeted at a particular group.
Announcing the new resolve of government to enforce the law at joint press conference with security agencies and other stakeholders yesterday, Commissioner for Information and Communication, Mr. Yiljap Abraham, said the ban would take effect from today.
He said about 120 buses, 300 taxis and tricycles had been released by the state government to cushion the effect of the prohibition, adding that more would be released in due course.
The taxis, buses and tricycles were given to operators on loan. They are expected to start paying back after six months.
He said the ban was being enforced after due consultation with various stakeholders and towards actualising the Greater Jos/Bukuru Master Plan.
Also speaking, the state Police Commissioner, Mr. Emmanuel Ayeni urged residents to cooperate on the ban and not to attach unnecessary sentiments to the exercise as it was capable of generating bad blood.
Critics had accused the state government of wanting to implement the law without providing alternative, saying this would bring untold hardship on the people.
State Commissioner for Works, Mr. Chris Hassan who was present at the briefing, appealed to beneficiaries to be faithful in the payment of their loans to enable government re-plough it to buy more for other operators.
Vanguard Nigeria